McGahee's leadership, experience welcomed by Browns

Running back Willis McGahee brings experience and a proven track record of success with him to Cleveland.

After passing his physical on Thursday, veteran running back Willis McGahee signed with the Cleveland Browns.

He brings a wealth of NFL playing experience, as well as a proven track record of success as a professional.

In 10 seasons with the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos, the 6-foot, 235-pound McGahee has rushed for 8,097 yards and 63 touchdowns on 1,957 carries. He averages 4.1 yards per carry, and has four 1,000-yard rushing seasons to his credit.

“He knows how to prepare, how to go play,” Browns offensive coordinator Norv Turner said. “He’s been a very good inside runner. I would think, based on his experience, he’ll understand the protection things and be able to contribute in that area.”

Having played in playoff games with both the Ravens and Broncos, McGahee will bring “leadership” to the Browns’ locker room, according to veteran Cleveland linebacker D’Qwell Jackson.

“He was with Peyton Manning last year, so I’ve played against him,” Jackson recalled. “He’s a tough tackle. He’s a big guy, can pass-pro. He’s a complete back. He’s done it a long time. That’s what he’s going to bring for us.”

A veteran of four seasons with the Oakland Raiders, first-year Browns defensive lineman Desmond Bryant played against McGahee’s Broncos four times over the 2011 and 2012 regular seasons.

Bryant studied film of McGahee, who rushed for 1,199 yards and four touchdowns on 249 carries in 15 games in 2011, and 731 yards and four scores through 10 contests before a knee injury ended his season in a November game against the San Diego Chargers last fall.

“He’s been a great back in this league for a number of years,” Bryant said. “He’s a seasoned veteran. I’m sure he’ll be able to come in, pick up the offense quickly, and hopefully, make some plays for us. Playing against him, he cut-blocked me one time and it was a mean cut block. He’s a good player. I think he’ll do some great things for us.”